Alienware Area-51 R2 Overheating

To dissasembly the PCI FAN in the Area-51 R2, please watch this video:

To dissasembly the Video Cards in the Area-51 R2, please watch this video:

Verify the Liquid Cooling System Pump is properly connected.

Verify the Liquid Cooling System Fan is properly connected.

Verify the Top Fan is properly connected.

Verify the Liquid Cooling CPU Hetsink retaining screws loose. Sometimes when moving the computer to from one place to another or during shipping, the retaining screws on the processor heatsink can become loose, although this is rare it may happen. to fix his, wait until the system is completely cold and secure the four screws retaining the heatsink, use a cross action sequence until they are tight, don't over tight them.

Update the System Bios and Video Card drivers

An out of date Bios can cause heat issues by having an outdated temperature table for the system.

Alienware Area-51 R1 Overheating Troubleshooting

Open the right Side Door to clean the internal fans and exhaust. For opening the System, try the following steps:

Locate the left side-panel

Lift the left side release latch handle.

Swing the left side-panel out.

Clean the PCI fan

Clean the Hard Drive fan

Clean the Chipset fan

Verify the Liquid Cooling CPU Hetsink retaining screws loose. Sometimes when moving the computer to from one place to another or during shipping, the retaining screws on the processor heatsink can become loose, although this is rare it may happen. to fix his, wait until the system is completely cold and secure the four screws retaining the heatsink, use a cross action sequence until they are tight, don't over tight them.

Update the System Bios and Video Card drivers

An out of date Bios can cause heat issues by having an outdated temperature table for the system.

Aurora Systems Overheating Troubleshooting

Open the right Side Door to clean the internal fans and exhaust. For opening the System, try the following steps:

Locate the left side-panel.

Slide the latch to unlock the release panel.

Lift the release panel.

Lift the release panel. Hold the side cover as it pivots outward.

Clean the PCI fan

Clean the Hard Drive fan

Clean the Chipset fan

Clean the Memory fan

Verify the Liquid Cooling CPU Heatsink retaining screws loose. Sometimes when moving the computer to from one place to another or during shipping, the retaining screws on the processor heatsink can become loose, although this is rare it may happen. to fix his, wait until the system is completely cold and secure the four screws retaining the heatsink, use a cross action sequence until they are tight, don't over tight them.

Verify the bottom cables not hindering the lower Video Card. Refer to the following video on How to re-arrange the Aurora cabling:

Update the System Bios and Video Card drivers

An out of date Bios can cause heat issues by having an outdated temperature table for the system.

In order to get the latest Bios update, you can go to the Aurora Drivers and Downloads area.

Alienware X51 Overheating : The Alienware X51 can overheat due to video card fan may be hindered by a system cable, making the video card to overheat, shuts down the computer, may crash to a blue screen or memory dump (0x000000116), or the screen will go black. Also Bios update and Video Card Driver updates can help you to keep the system with good working temperatures.

Solution

Power the X51 OFF.

Lay the X51 on its right side so the rear is facing you and the DVI ports are on top

Remove the one Phillips screw securing the Left Side Cover to the System Chassis

Carefully push the Left Side Cover towards the front of the system. Exert enough force to just release the Left Side Cover

Carefully flip the Left Side Cover up and left. Leave the Lighting Board cable attached. Just rest the cover next to the system

You might need to access the video card and hard drive bay, in order to remove the video card you can watch this video and continue after you have the card removed

Once you have the video card away. Check if there are any wires that might be hindering the video card fan or any fans move them away from the fans and try to position them so they do not hinder the video card fan. Look closely where the clamps are located and if there is any wire out from them reposition it and push the clamp to secure the wires.

While the cover is removed, power the X51 ON and visually make sure nothing is hindering the fans.

If no cables are hindering the video card fan or any fan, Power the X51 OFF, make sure the metal retaining clamps are pushed all the way down securing those cables, reassemble the computer and test again. (Tip. If the door lights go off reseat the door as necessary)

For systems equipped with an NVidia GTX make sure the power cable is connected to card (just one is needed), also check the cables are secured to the card holder.

Update the System Bios and Video Card drivers

An out of date Bios can cause heat issues by having an outdated temperature table for the system.

In order to get the latest Bios update, you can go to the Aurora Drivers and Downloads area.

For the Video Card Drivers, you can download the latest versions from www.nvidia.com and www.amd.com accodingly to the Video Card Brand you owned.

If your system is equipped with an NVidia GTX Graphics Card and after performing these steps it keeps overheating, you may need to control the video card fan speed by software, click here to download and install MSI After burner.(Tip: If your system was purchased with an NVidia 545 GT, 555 GTX, 640 GT, 645 GT, 660 GTX, 670 GTX, 745 GTX, 750 GT, 760 GTX Ti Graphics cards, you can also install this application to boost the performance of the graphics card and to avoid overheating.

Using a Laptop on a hard, flat, non-cloth surface will increase airflow and reduce heat from underneath and inside the system.

Using the Laptop on blanket, pillow, or other type of cloth will cover up the fan cause the computer to overheat and can cause permanent damage.

It is recommended to use the Laptop in a Room temperature of 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F) with a Humidity level no greater than 90%.

For specified environmental usage temperatures for your system refer to your User's Guide or Setup Guide

Use compressed air to clean the vents on a regular basis.

Using a cooling pad can decrease heat and increase performance.

Note: Do not use your mouth to blow the Dust out of a Laptop. If using a can of compressed air use the can according to the directions on the side of the can as you can cause damage to the computer if used incorrectly.

Quick Tips content is self-published by the Dell Support Professionals who resolve issues daily. In order to achieve a speedy publication, Quick Tips may represent only partial solutions or work-arounds that are still in development or pending further proof of successfully resolving an issue. As such Quick Tips have not been reviewed, validated or approved by Dell and should be used with appropriate caution. Dell shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profit or loss of revenue, which customers may incur by following any procedure or advice set out in the Quick Tips.